Iraq war crimes allegations must be fully investigated
“It is disgraceful that the Government had to be dragged by the courts,” said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey.
Commenting after the Government announced details of an inquiry into alleged war crimes by UK soldiers in Iraq, Nick Harvey said:
“Nobody doubts that the vast majority of our troops serve their country with the highest distinction. These are, however, extremely grave allegations and it is right for them to be fully investigated.
“It is disgraceful that the Government had to be dragged by the courts into launching this inquiry, wasting time and taxpayers money on legal appeals.
“The Baha Mousa inquiry has already raised fundamental questions about whether British soldiers were properly trained in handling prisoners before they were deployed to Iraq.
“Sir John Chilcot needs to make it clear that this issue will be covered by his own inquiry.”
